Alaska Airlines to Offer Local Beer Tasting on Q400 Flights in Alaska

PR Newswire On Feb 13, 2014
Source: PR Newswire

ANCHORAGE, Alaska, Feb. 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Travelers on Alaska Airlines flights between Anchorage and Fairbanks and Anchorage and Kodiak will soon enjoy an extra infusion of local flavor in the form of Silver Gulch Brewing & Bottling Co.'s Old 55 Pale Ale.

"Silver Gulch is a successful local business based in the Fairbanks area, and we're excited to offer their beer on our Q400 flights within Alaska," said Marilyn Romano, Alaska Airlines' regional vice president – Alaska. "This continues our tradition of serving products made in the communities we proudly serve."

Passengers will have the opportunity to sample the moderately hopped, American-style pale ale free of charge beginning March 3, when Alaska Airlines introduces the Bombardier Q400 to the state of Alaska. The flights will be operated for Alaska Airlines by its sister carrier, Horizon Air. These flights will feature complimentary soft drinks, Starbucks coffee, Northwest wine and microbrews (for passengers 21 and older), and A la Cart planeside baggage service.

"Travelers are going to enjoy our popular pale ale," said Glenn Brady, president of Silver Gulch Brewing and Bottling Co. "It's a really nice beer that has a broad appeal. It's going to enlighten a lot of people on what a craft beer can be, in terms of 'Well I never thought I'd enjoy that, but I did.' "

The brewery, which has locations in Anchorage and north of Fairbanks, will bottle the beer in stainless steel "Kleen Kanteens," which are lighter, stronger and more environmentally friendly than traditional glass bottles.

"The pale ale we serve to customers onboard our Q400 flights will be about as fresh as you can get," said Lisa Luchau, Alaska Airlines' director of onboard food and beverage. "It'll be bottled and packed every day."

Samples are about 6.5 ounces and will be offered to customers on flights operating after 11 a.m.

Travelers can pick up their very own Kleen Kanteens (or traditional glass growlers) filled with their favorite Silver Gulch beers at the brewery's restaurant in the C Concourse at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport or at the brewery and restaurant in Fox, Alaska.

Horizon Air is a subsidiary of Alaska Air Group and flies to 39 cities across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Editor's note: A photo of Silver Gulch's Old 55 Pale Ale and the Q400 can be downloaded from the Alaska Airlines Newsroom online image gallery at http://bit.ly/9qVv. High definition b-roll of the Q400 is available for download at http://bit.ly/1emTNEr.

About Silver Gulch Brewing and Bottling Co.
Silver Gulch Brewing and Bottling was founded in Fox, Alaska, in 1998 by two lifelong Alaskans. Silver Gulch is America's most northern brewery, located at the start of the "haul road" to Prudhoe Bay about 11 miles north of Fairbanks. Silver Gulch opened its first restaurant adjacent to the brewery in 2007, later opening a restaurant at Anchorage International Airport in 2012. Silver Gulch maintains a selection of 12 or more freshly brewed ales and lagers year-round, many of which are available at fine dining and drinking establishments throughout Alaska.

About Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines, a subsidiary of Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK), together with its partner regional airlines, serves nearly 100 cities through an expansive network in Alaska, the Lower 48, Hawaii, Canada and Mexico. Alaska Airlines has ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Traditional Network Carriers" in the J.D. Power North America Airline Satisfaction StudySM for six consecutive years from 2008 to 2013. For reservations, visit www.alaskaair.com. For more news and information, visit the Alaska Airlines Newsroom at www.alaskaair.com/newsroom.